Page 62 of Chasing the Dream

“It’s a conundrum. Sorry, but I’ve always wanted to use that word. This seemed like the perfect opportunity.”

She laughed for real that time and instantly felt lighter. “We can do this. We can keep working together without giving in to temptation. It’ll be hard…”

“I can guarantee that,” he said, glancing down.

She blushed and hoped he wouldn’t notice in the dark.

“So, are we supposed to ignore this thing between us and hope it goes away?”

She shrugged. “What else can we do?”

He thought for a moment. “There is another option.”

She perked up. “I’m open to suggestions.”

“We could have sex and get it out of our systems. A lot of what we’re feeling is curiosity. Once our curiosity’s been fed, we can go back to being…”

“Being what? We weren’t exactly friends before. We were more like acquaintances.”

“You were always more than that.”

“I was?”

“We practically grew up together. I knew you when…”

“I had braces and pimples. That doesn’t constitute a friendship, Gabe.”

“I cared about you.”

“Like a sister.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

She averted her eyes.

“Morgan?”

Since they’d gone this far, she decided a little further wouldn’t hurt. “I always wanted it to be more.”

She waited for him to say something, but he wouldn’t get the chance. The door slid open, and Maria came barreling back out, looking like she’d just won the lottery.

“You’re never gonna believe this!”

“What happened?” Morgan was somewhat glad for the interruption, but there was still so much left unsaid between her and Gabe. She had a feeling it would be another sleepless night.

Maria climbed into the tub and sat beside Morgan. She seemed too keyed up to notice any discomfort between Morgan and Gabe, and for that, Morgan was grateful.

“He asked me out!”

“I had a feeling,” Gabe said.

“That’s great!” Morgan added.

“First, he asked me out for tonight, but I told him I was in Flagstaff. Then he suggested we meet for lunch tomorrow, and I couldn’t say no. Will you hate me if I leave early tomorrow morning?”

Gabe spoke before Morgan had a chance to. “Just you or all of us?”

“There’s no reason we all have to leave, unless you want to. I can get an Uber.”